The 1st preparation conference for the 2008 Shoton Festival, photo by Liu Chong from China Tibet Information Center.

The 1st preparation conference for the 2008 Shoton Festival, photo by Liu Chong from China Tibet Information Center.

The 1st preparation conference for the 2008 Shoton Festival was held on May 13 in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Chen Zhichang, Vice Director of China's Lhasa Shoton Festival Organizing Committee, attended the conference together with other leaders.

Shoton Festival, also known as Sour Milk Drinking Festival, is one of the most influential traditional festival in Lhasa. It has been listed in China's intangible cultural heritage by the State Council.

In 2008, the Shoton Festival in Lhasa will last from August 30 to September 5.